SMTCL USA Inc., City of Industry, Calif., received an award at the Digital Manufacturing Showcase event Feb. 10 from Galesburg High School for the machine tool builder's part in a new partnership bringing manufacturing training to high school students. This program gives students an opportunity to learn CAD, CNC programming and CNC operation. Students from six local high schools will be able to take the classes.
Steven Zhao, CEO of SMTCL, accepted the award honoring SMTCL's part in providing a world-class vertical machining Center for the students to use. Zhao said, "Our corporation has a long history of helping young people learn manufacturing skills that can improve their lives."
Pegasus Manufacturing Inc., SMTCL's distributor in Illinois, has taken a lead role in developing a curriculum that teaches students skills that they need to compete in today's world of manufacturing. Pegasus' president, Ray Whitehead, said, "The educational programs are designed to give students the technical skills required to enter the advanced manufacturing workforce."
Although CNC training has been done in community colleges and vocational schools, this program with the high schools is one of a few in the U.S. and will help companies that need employees with skills in operating modern CNC equipment.
Zhao said: "High schools have been strictly focused on preparing all students for a 4-year university, when many students don't follow that path. We are giving them another option by teaching them real-life manufacturing skills. By learning CNC machine programming and operation, students can get a good job in manufacturing immediately after high school, or they can use these skills to help them if they pursue degrees in engineering or industrial design."
The aluminum award presented to SMTCL was designed by a student in the program, Selena Suarez, and machined on the VMC from SMTCL. Suarez, whose next project is to design a prototype for a new Jeep stated, "Seeing the machine take a computer design and turn it into a 3D object that you can touch is incredible."
The VMC850B VMC provided by SMTCL has the latest FANUC control.
Related Glossary Terms
- computer numerical control ( CNC)
computer numerical control ( CNC)
Microprocessor-based controller dedicated to a machine tool that permits the creation or modification of parts. Programmed numerical control activates the machine’s servos and spindle drives and controls the various machining operations. See DNC, direct numerical control; NC, numerical control.
- computer-aided design ( CAD)
computer-aided design ( CAD)
Product-design functions performed with the help of computers and special software.
- machining center
machining center
CNC machine tool capable of drilling, reaming, tapping, milling and boring. Normally comes with an automatic toolchanger. See automatic toolchanger.
